The EMS division on Public Education is responsible for developing and implementing of programs to enhance the overall efforts of the department's objective of saving lives. Research yielded several programs that are common across the country and some that are quite unique to the Baton Rouge area. Monthly classes are held for citizens in cpr, pediatric safety, emergency response, health and nutrition, and first aid.

The Public Education Division also coordinates medical coverage for all special events such as LSU and Southern Football games, parades, concerts, and all other public events in East Baton Rouge Parish. Events are typically staffed with EMT-Paramedics working overtime. There are over 200 events annually.

This Division is also responsible for media and community relations, advertising, special projects with local hospitals, and leadership to the medical community in Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

Learning Safety is Fun

Each year EMS provides public education for thousands of children in schools and daycares throughout the service area. This public education is in several forms.

Puppet Shows
Robot Shows
Unit Demonstrations
Safety Talks
Robot Shows

Perry, our 3-foot tall remote controlled paramedic unit travels to many different locations each week. He sings and dances, teaching 3-12 year olds about safety, prevention and 911. Each session lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which time Perry talks about a variety of subjects including:

Safety around the home
Bicycle Safety
Swimming Safety
Playground Safety

Perry, also explains what actions to take if approached by a stranger and when or when not to use 911. Perry's appeal allows the youngest audiences to understand the practical instructions for Stop-Drop-and-Roll, and even abdominal thrusts for a choking victim.

Unit Demonstrations and Safety Talks

Unit demo's and safety talks are reserved for older groups of children who are above Perry's targeted audience. A paramedic crew with a unit, talks to smaller classroom sized groups about safety and 911, conducts a question and answer session, and conclude with a tour of the paramedic unit.